The Complexity of Cellular Networks is an informal course (no credits, no requirements)
that offers a broad overview of interdisciplinary research linking statistical physics
and molecular biology. It is intended for postdocs, visiting students and interested
faculty members of the Center for Vascular Biology Research. There is no prerequisite
or formal requirement for attendance, and no prior familiarity with concepts in statistical physics will be assumed.

GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The overall goal of this course is to open a window into interdisciplinary research at the boundary of statistical physics and molecular biology, biased towards results related to complex networks research. It showcases the types of problems interesting to both physicists and molecular biologists, thus aiming to foster communication and collaboration between researchers from radically different backgrounds. Expected outcomes of the course:

Basic familiarity and understanding of the main biology-related results in complex networks, along with parallels to similar phenomena in non-biological settings

Raising awareness of the non-linear nature of genetic regulation, along with tools to model nonlinear aspects

Opening a dialog about the importance and danger of simplifications inherent as well as necessary for modeling

Awareness on the part of attending wet-bench biologists of the types of problems that would interest a fellow physicist

OVERALL STRUCTURE

The course is designed to provide an overview of selected research topics. The typical class session will consist of:

A 40 minute presentation of the research topic, accompanied by handouts of the presentation citing all relevant reference material, also made available on-line

The presentation will be followed by 20 minutes of questions and discussion

COURSE OUTLINE

PART 1

1. Meet complex networks.
Brief history of networks
Structural features of complex networks
Biological networks in their context